Renting in Rowan County, North Carolina: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,262; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 12% less than in North Carolina
Typical rent: $1,013; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 18% less than in North Carolina
Wage needed: $24.27; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $50,480 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 47%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 4% less than in North Carolina

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Rowan County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Among the neighboring counties, Stanly County has the lowest typical rent ($861), 15% below the $1,013 in Rowan County.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

Fair market rent

What HUD sets for each size

Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Rowan County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.

The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)

According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Rowan County was $1,434 a month in September 2026: 4.6% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$992	$19.08	$39,680
1 bedroom	$1,012	$19.46	$40,480
2 bedrooms	$1,262	$24.27	$50,480
3 bedrooms	$1,604	$30.85	$64,160
4 bedrooms	$2,109	$40.56	$84,360

HUD area: Rowan County, NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 19 ZIP codes in Rowan County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,100 in 27054 to $1,390 in 28125. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,262).

Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

27013	Iredell County, NC	$1,060	$1,100	$1,210	$1,630	$2,030
27013	Rowan County, NC	$1,060	$1,100	$1,210	$1,630	$2,030
27054	Rowan County, NC	$890	$940	$1,100	$1,430	$1,820
28023	Rowan County, NC	$950	$970	$1,210	$1,540	$2,020
28039	Rowan County, NC	$1,030	$1,050	$1,310	$1,660	$2,190
28041	Rowan County, NC	$900	$910	$1,140	$1,450	$1,910
28071	Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC	$900	$930	$1,120	$1,420	$1,820
28071	Rowan County, NC	$900	$930	$1,120	$1,420	$1,820
28071	Stanly County, NC	$900	$930	$1,120	$1,420	$1,820
28072	Rowan County, NC	$900	$910	$1,140	$1,450	$1,910
28088	Rowan County, NC	$1,030	$1,060	$1,280	$1,600	$2,090
28125	Iredell County, NC	$1,100	$1,130	$1,390	$1,780	$2,330
28125	Rowan County, NC	$1,100	$1,130	$1,390	$1,780	$2,330
28138	Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC	$990	$1,010	$1,250	$1,580	$2,070
28138	Rowan County, NC	$990	$1,010	$1,250	$1,580	$2,070
28144	Rowan County, NC	$1,030	$1,050	$1,310	$1,660	$2,190
28146	Rowan County, NC	$900	$910	$1,140	$1,450	$1,910
28147	Rowan County, NC	$1,040	$1,060	$1,320	$1,680	$2,210
28159	Rowan County, NC	$1,010	$1,030	$1,290	$1,640	$2,160

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
27013 · Iredell County, NC $1,210$1,630
27013 · Rowan County, NC $1,210$1,630
27054 · Rowan County, NC $1,100$1,430
28023 · Rowan County, NC $1,210$1,540
28039 · Rowan County, NC $1,310$1,660
28041 · Rowan County, NC $1,140$1,450
28071 · Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $1,120$1,420
28071 · Rowan County, NC $1,120$1,420
28071 · Stanly County, NC $1,120$1,420
28072 · Rowan County, NC $1,140$1,450
28088 · Rowan County, NC $1,280$1,600
28125 · Iredell County, NC $1,390$1,780
28125 · Rowan County, NC $1,390$1,780
28138 · Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $1,250$1,580
28138 · Rowan County, NC $1,250$1,580
28144 · Rowan County, NC $1,310$1,660
28146 · Rowan County, NC $1,140$1,450
28147 · Rowan County, NC $1,320$1,680
28159 · Rowan County, NC $1,290$1,640

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Rowan County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.

47%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

16,306 households rent in Rowan County

Spend half or more of their income 26%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
Spend less than 30% 53%

Compared with the state and the country

Rowan 47%
North Carolina 49%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Rowan County

HUD lists 35 properties with homes for low-income households in Rowan County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.

with tax credits (LIHTC): 16
HUD-assisted: 19
public housing: 1

2,232 homes in all; 2,069 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Salisbury Family HUD-assisted 200 S Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Salisbury 28144 327 low-income homes · For families · (704) 638-1410
Running Brook, Grant St., Locust St. Public housing 501 Old Creek Ct, Kannapolis 28081 194 homes, 193 low-income · Run by Rowan County Housing Authority · Average payment: $354 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (704) 633-8380
Salisbury Elderly HUD-assisted PO Box 159, Salisbury 28145 138 low-income homes · For older adults · (704) 638-1410
Laurel Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Laurel Pointe Cir, Salisbury 28147 100 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 48 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 1999 · For families
Colonial Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 231 D Ave, Salisbury 28144 98 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 66 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2014 · For families · (704) 630-1100
Brenner Crossing II Tax credit (LIHTC) 610 Roy Leazer Ave, Salisbury 28144 90 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 29 · 3 bd: 33 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2016 · For families
Clancy Hills HUD-assisted 100A Clancy St, Salisbury 28147 88 low-income homes · For families · (704) 636-6408
Westbrook Trace Tax credit (LIHTC) 550 Lash Dr, Salisbury 28147 84 low-income homes · In service since 2021 · For families
Brenner Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 610 Roy Leazer Ave, Salisbury 28144 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2015 · For families
Britton Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2280 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury 28147 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2020 · For families
Gold Hill Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 420 Gold Hill Dr, Salisbury 28146 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2018 · For families
Sterling Trace Tax credit (LIHTC) 180 Emerson Ln, Salisbury 28147 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2014 · For families
Yadkin House HUD-assisted 201 N Lee St, Salisbury 28144 67 low-income homes · For older adults · (704) 633-7981
Westridge Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Donner Dr, Salisbury 28147 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
The Villas at Hope Crest Tax credit (LIHTC) 1314 Lincolnton Rd, Salisbury 28147 55 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 31 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
Zion Hills Apartments HUD-assisted 1614 Standish St, Salisbury 28144 50 low-income homes · For families · (704) 537-0609
Westridge Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Admiral Dr, Salisbury 28147 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2012 · For families
Civic Park II HUD-assisted 610 Roy Leazer Ave, Salisbury 28144 90 homes, 44 low-income · For families
Crosswinds Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Lash Dr, Salisbury 28147 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
Whispering Oaks Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 805 Newsome Rd, Salisbury 28146 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
Civic Park I HUD-assisted 715 Hall St, Salisbury 28144 80 homes, 36 low-income · For families
Ro-Well Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 923 China Grove Hwy, Rockwell 28138 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2012 · For families
Fleming Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 430 Lash Dr, Salisbury 28147 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
White Rock Gardens HUD-assisted 431 Dunns Mountain Rd, Granite Quarry 28146 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (704) 279-6457
Benchmark Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 848 Lillian St, China Grove 28023 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1990 · For families
Good Shepherd Gardens HUD-assisted 335 Lumen Christie Ln, Salisbury 28147 19 homes, 18 low-income · For older adults · (704) 633-3120
CAC of Rowan County HUD-assisted 318 Grant St, Spencer 28159 11 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 647-0094
ARC/HDS Rowan Apartments HUD-assisted 1010 S Fulton St, Salisbury 28144 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
ARC/HDS Rowan County Group Home #4 HUD-assisted 1211 N Church St, Salisbury 28144 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 637-0523
ARC/HDS Rowan County Group Home #5 HUD-assisted 355 Hummingbird Cir, Salisbury 28146 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 279-3564
ARC/HDS Rowan County Group Home #6 HUD-assisted 160 Camelot Rd, Salisbury 28147 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 642-0867
ARC/HDS Rowan County Group Home #1 HUD-assisted 106 S Franklin St, China Grove 28023 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 857-3017
Arc/HDS Rowan County Group Home #2 HUD-assisted 1212 Stanley St, Salisbury 28144 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 637-1521
Arc/HDS Rowan County Group Home #3 HUD-assisted 125 Shamrock Dr, Salisbury 28144 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (704) 633-8401
Ford City Motor Lofts HUD-assisted 419 S Main St, Salisbury 28144 64 homes · For older adults

One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.

Section 8

The Section 8 voucher in Rowan County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Rowan County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Rowan County, NC HUD Metro FMR Area.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$17,500	$29,200	$46,700
2 people	$21,640	$33,400	$53,400
3 people	$27,320	$37,550	$60,050
4 people	$33,000	$41,700	$66,700
5 people	$38,680	$45,050	$72,050
6 people	$44,360	$48,400	$77,400
7 people	$50,040	$51,750	$82,750
8 people	$55,050	$55,050	$88,050

Area median income: $79,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Rowan County, NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $893 – $1,091
1 bedroom $911 – $1,113
2 bedrooms $1,136 – $1,388
3 bedrooms $1,444 – $1,764
4 bedrooms $1,898 – $2,320

The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.

Housing agencies that serve this place

Rowan County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 694 vouchers · 193 public housing units (704) 633-8380 Rowan County Housing Authority: jamie.lester@rowancountyha.com
Town of East Spencer Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 243 vouchers (704) 637-2284 Town of East Spencer Housing Authority: kirstonfitzgerald@gmail.com
Housing Authority of the City of Salisbury Public housing (704) 636-1410 Housing Authority of the City of Salisbury: brad@salisburyhousingauthority.com

Housing agencies in North Carolina Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in North Carolina

What North Carolina law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare these rules with other states →

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

When must they return my deposit?: 30 days; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52
If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?: 10 days; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-3
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?: 7 days; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-14

Only a court order can remove youN.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-25.6
Protection from retaliationN.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-37.1(b)

Help

Where to get help with rent in Rowan County

These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.

PU
Prosperity Unlimited, Inc

1660 Garnet St, Kannapolis · 13 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
(704) 933-7405
CF
Community Foundations

919 N Main Street, Suite 143A, Mooresville · 16 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
(704) 799-7641
CG
CCCS of Greater Greensboro

21 W. 2nd Street, Lexington · 20 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
(336) 373-8882

See every agency in North Carolina Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Rowan County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.

Count power on top of the rent: in North Carolina, the average home bill was $144 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Rowan County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,262. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,524

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,262
Security deposit: $1,262
Total: $2,524

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

When you'll have it

Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.

What helps

Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Rowan County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $992; 1 bedroom: $1,012; 2 bedrooms: $1,262; 3 bedrooms: $1,604; 4 bedrooms: $2,109. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Rowan County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,262) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.27 an hour full time, or $50,480 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Rowan County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $41,700 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.

How much does Section 8 pay in Rowan County?

The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,136 and $1,388 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Rowan County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,100 in 27054 to $1,390 in 28125. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.

How many low-income apartments are there in Rowan County?

HUD lists 35 properties with homes for low-income households in Rowan County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.

How many households spend too much on rent in Rowan County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Rowan County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Rowan County, North Carolina

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Rowan County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Rowan County

The Section 8 voucher in Rowan County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in North Carolina

Where to get help with rent in Rowan County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Rowan County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Rowan County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Rowan County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Rowan County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Rowan County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Rowan County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Rowan County?